As DR Congo celebrates 60 years of independence today, let’s focus on how the Central African nation has impacted African football.

Away from the tired stories about its violent past, Ebola, its mineral resources being robbed etc. Here’s some light. Bana ya Congo.

A thread!

Champions of the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, their second title in just six years, Zaire were the first sub-Saharan nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup played the same year.

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Ndaye Mulamba scored nine goals for Zaire at the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt - the highest number of goals scored by an individual player at a single AFCON edition to-date.

@KalushaPBwalya, @setoo9, Rashidi Yekini and @ighalojude came close after with five goals each.

In a bid to find their identity, the Leopards have stood the test of time as their nation changed names from Congo-Leopoldville to Congo-Kinshasa, Zaire and now DR Congo.

The talent remains consistent. Two AFCON titles under their belt - 1968 and 1974.

: @CAF_Online

Les Leopards are the only team to win the CHAN trophy twice - 2009 at the inaugural edition in Côte d’Ivoire and 2016 in Rwanda.

After the latter, the then President Joseph Kabila rewarded the players with a fleet of cars.

DR Congo have the undisputed best goal celebration in African Football. Fimbu it is called.

Also, if you’re looking for an electric football atmosphere in Africa, make it a date to watch a game at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

: @CAF_Online

TP Mazembe made history when they became the first and still only African team to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2010. Les Corbeaux.

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